When Canadian Western Agribition opens its doors to the world Nov. 20, American beef cattle will cross the threshold for the first time since 2003.
Purebred beef entries from Kansas and North Dakota mark the return of American cattle after the discovery of BSE restricted livestock movement across the border.
Show general manager Leon Brin said he believes this is the first time cattle from the United States have been shown in Canada in more than three years.
The two exhibitors, who have both attended Agribition before, qualified in Billings, Montana, to bring their champions to the RBC Beef Supreme and are expected to bring other animals with them. The breeds involved are Galloway and Angus.
Read Also
Agriculture ministers agree to AgriStability changes
federal government proposed several months ago to increase the compensation rate from 80 to 90 per cent and double the maximum payment from $3 million to $6 million
“They are aware of Agribition and keen to get back here,” Brin said.
Under Canadian regulations, the animals could be shown here and return home. However, American rules require that they stay in Canada once they’ve moved north. Brin said the cattle are to be sold during the show.
About 4,000 head of livestock are entered in this year’s show, including 1,900 head of purebred beef cattle. There will be 13 breeds represented and four Canadian national shows for Gelbvieh, Simmental, Limousin and Salers.
Commercial cattle entries are about 835. There are 450 trade show exhibits.
The opening day Monday will focus on youth events. The prospect calf show and sale were moved to the beginning of the week to help balance the beef events, Brin said. The day also includes a new feature called A Day at the Ranch. This involves demonstrations of how to break a colt, ranch roping and working cattle with a stock dog.
Returning for its second year is the Canadian Cowboys’ Association Finals Rodeo. Five performances will incorporate the junior rodeo events that last year were only demonstrations.
The dairy show and sale moves to a new day. All dairy events will take place on the show’s final day on Nov. 25.
Llamas are missing from the line-up this year. Brin said the show was informed earlier this year that the llamas would not be returning in 2006.
About 145,000 people are expected to pass through the gates. On opening day visitors can gain free admittance with the presentation of a food item or a minimum $2 donation to food banks.
Brin added that international attendance is expected to be on par with last year, when 385 guests representing 46 countries and 17 states attended.
An economic impact study commissioned by Agribition in 2005 found the show injected $16.3 million into the provincial economy while supporting 1,000 jobs.
“It’s a number we’re proud of,” Brin said of the dollar amount.
The study indicated that a comparative event like the 2003 Grey Cup brought in $15 million.
“This is like having a Grey Cup every year,” he said.
